MultCo Commissioner Dist #1
[X] Eric Zimmerman
[_] Sharon MeieranI'm still pondering this race. Although I voted for Meieran in the primary, I'm switching to Zimmerman. Meieran has an impressive resume, but her campaign website only lists her endorsements and refuses to specify her position on the issues. Zimmerman cleverly got attention when he called on the county to open the vacant Wapato jail property for the homeless. It's a controversial proposal, but it's at least a realistic and tangible plan.

MultCo Sheriff
[X] Mike ReeseAlthough I'm not aware of any current issues regarding the incumbent, it's still unbelievable that voters have no alternatives for a public office with such a long history of scandal. I'm voting for 26-183 to make the position an appointment. The county commissioners should be accountable for selecting the best professional for the job.

Portland Commissioner, Pos 4
[_] Chloe Eudaly
[X] Steve NovickI'm still pondering this race. I'm reluctantly voting for Novick. I've supported him since he first proposed unseating Oregon Republican senator, but haven't been happy with his attempt to bypass voters with a street "fee".
I considered Eudaly, but am concerned about the positions she supports on her website such as opposing efforts to 'warehouse' the homeless and supporting publicly-funded campaigns which Portland voters previously repealed due to fraud.

OR 94: Eliminates mandatory 75-year-old retirement age for state judges. AMENDS CONSTITUTION.

It seems arbitrary to target businesses who happen to sell more than $25 million in Oregon. The state's funding problems have more to do with property tax limits and the state employees' pension fund than with business taxes. I'm also concerned about whether this will dissuade business investment; however, this is essentially a sales tax that businesses will pass on to consumers.

OR 98: Requires state funding for high school dropout-prevention, career and college readiness programs.

MULTCO 26-181: Extends term limits to three consecutive four-year terms in any one office in 16 years. AMENDS CHARTER

[X] Yes

(NO SUPPORTING ARGUMENTS FILED.)

[_] No

(NO OPPOSING ARGUMENTS FILED.)

My only regret is that this doesn't go far enough in repealing term limits completely. Term limits only promote short-term goals and prevent experienced leaders from following-through. Little noticed offices like county commissioner need experienced leaders.

MULTCO 26-182: Allow commissioners to run for Chair mid-term without resigning their current elected office. AMENDS CHARTER.

In an era of police oversight, it's counter-intuitive to take the sheriff position out of voters' hands; however, voters rarely have an opportunity to change the sheriff. Even in this election, an appointed sheriff is running unopposed. Having an elected sheriff doesn't make sense for Multnomah County where running the huge jail system is secondary to policing. Multnomah sheriffs need administrative skills more than patrol experience. The numerous scandals have been due sheriffs who feel they are exempt from county board oversight. The board needs the authority to hire the most qualified professional to run the sheriff's office.